Jing Lens

My Stay in Capella Sydney -A Dazzling Luminary in Southern Hemisphere- Gilded Past, Golden Present, Radiant Future

Jing Lens # Life Designer with Jingyu Chen

Capella Sydney, the first outpost of the Capella Hotel Group in Sydney, was ushering under the spotlight of luxury hotel unveiling in 2023. After a meticulous seven-year restoration and expansion, coupled with a $225 million investment, Capella Sydney emerged as a new luminary in the world of luxury hotels, instantly standing out from its peers. Given the pedigree of the Capella hotel, I envisaged Capella Sydney as reinvigorated luxury that is an ode to its local heritage as well as a nod to contemporary design.

 My Encounter with Capella Sydney at its Inception
When my friend, a former architect turned photographer, decided to relocate to Tokyo this February, we longed for the perfect spot for an intimate chat and farewell. By a stroke of serendipity, Capella surfaced as the unrivaled choice. Aperture, as the latest incarnation, reinvigorates the former Department of Education building by reinstating its once central courtyard as a lush, green sanctuary.

At the heart of the Capella philosophy is our visionary curation of culture and experience, with core value rooted in crafted hospitality. 
From an Aboriginal art workshop and a bush food journey to the storytelling-themed Echoes of Eternity in the living room, my experiences were a true testament to the exceptional ability and masterful skill of Capella culturists in curating and delivering cultural programs. Iterating from its origins as an education department building characterized by utilitarianism and rationalism, Capella Sydney refines its aesthetic into multifaceted layers, crafting experiences that are truly multisensory. 

Elegance Redefined: Inside Capella's Exquisite Room Design and Luxurious Experience
The interior of my room features pared-back lines and high-end luxury. Its restrained elegance and understated sophistication exude Capella’s inherent aura of collected composure. The warm ambiance is achieved through a layered approach, with thoughtful artwork embellishments and considered touches, evoking the sense of a serene and poised urban sanctuary.

The Art of Illumination: Capella’s Dazzling Bespoke Lighting Scheme
I also feel compelled to spotlight the custom lighting composition, which is uniquely designed and thoughtfully layered, standing out as a work of art on its own. 

My Footprint at Capella Sydney
I was lost in the "Echoes of Eternity" storytelling delivered by Capella’s culturalists in the Living Room.  Golden opulence, wrapped in a restrained sense of contemporary ornamentation, shines through at Restaurant 1930, where I enjoyed both dinner and breakfast.  McRae Bar, named in commemoration of George McRae, the building's original architect, added a new layer of storytelling to my Capella night.  Aperture at night exudes an inner grandeur. 

 A Celestial Escape: Experiencing a Transcendent Wellness Journey at Auriga Spa
The next day, before checking out, I ticked off the final item on my itinerary: a facial treatment at Auriga Spa. The essence of Auriga’s philosophy, inspired by the cycles of nature and the moon, contributes to a uniquely divine experience for me.

 Gilded Past, Golden Present, Radiant Future
Michelle, an architect from Make, reflects: "Walking into the now-complete Capella Hotel Sydney is surreal. It was an emotional investment for all of us to achieve an end goal that we’re proud of and that creates a legacy for generations to come.
I wholeheartedly feel this goal has been accomplished, as I am marveled by Capella Sydney’s architectural restoration, timeless design, and innovative approach. Above all, it is the humility that every Capella staff member translates into their service with pride and empathy. A hotel with both substance and soul is destined for a golden present and a radiant future, evolving from its gilded past.

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